Writers Circle

Feeling behind in your writing—or wondering if it’s even worth finishing?   In Part 2 of my conversation with literary agent Mike Salisbury, we dig deeper into the emotional and practical realities of the writing life. Mike challenges our obsession with speed and reminds us that quality storytelling takes time. He talks about the beauty of being unknown, how to face book reviews, and why finishing your draft matters more than perfecting it. You’ll walk away with a fresh appreciation for the quiet, focused work it takes to write something worth reading. Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Mike Salisbury, a literary agent with Yates and Yates, has an intriguing background from minor league mascot to guiding authors in Christian publishing. He emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling in both fiction and nonfiction. Time management for writers can be a hurdle, but it's crucial to find joy in the writing process. Mike shares insights into the publishing world, stressing the value of revision and building a strong author platform. Ultimately, he inspires listeners to embrace the challenging yet rewarding journey of creativity.

Start watching Will's proposal course here: https://will-anderson-fde4.mykajabi.com/proposalsmadesimple Want to publish your book but don’t know where to start? In this episode, Will Parker Anderson sits down with former coaching client Vanessa Reyner to share the behind-the-scenes story of how she went from self-publishing to landing a literary agent. Together, they unpack the process of building a compelling book proposal—one that clarified Vanessa’s concept and ultimately opened the door to traditional publishing. If you’ve got a message to share but feel lost on how to pitch it, this conversation offers practical insight, encouragement, and a glimpse into the Proposals Made Simple process that helped Vanessa take the next big step in her writing journey. Will's proposal course: https://will-anderson-fde4.mykajabi.com/proposalsmadesimple Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

In a captivating conversation, J.R. Briggs, a leadership coach and close friend of Will Parker Anderson, flips the script by interviewing Will about his insightful new course on book proposals. They discuss why strong proposals are crucial for nonfiction writers looking to attract publishers, comparing them to movie trailers. Will shares how emotional connections in storytelling can elevate proposals and highlights the role of personal creativity amidst the rise of AI. This dynamic exchange offers invaluable tips for aspiring authors to stand out in a crowded market.

Last week, we started asking the question: Am I really called to write? In this follow-up episode, Andy Patton (content director at The Rabbit Room) returns to walk us through the final four questions every writer should consider when discerning their calling. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your next step or wondered whether you’re truly meant to pursue writing, this conversation will help you wrestle with that tension—and walk away with more clarity. Hi! I’m Will and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Will's proposal course: https://www.writerscircle.co/course Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Andy Patton, the Content Director at The Rabbit Room and a game designer, shares insightful thoughts on the struggle many writers face regarding their calling. He introduces a transformative perspective on the distinction between cosmic and local callings, helping listeners confront doubts about their writing aspirations. Along the way, he underscores the significance of community in the writing journey and reflects on his experiences in game design. This engaging conversation prompts self-reflection and encourages resilience in the quest to write.

If your tone misses the mark, your readers stop reading — no matter how great your ideas are. Author and Moody Publishers editor Drew Dyck joins Will Parker Anderson to tackle one of the biggest struggles nonfiction writers face: tone. It’s easy to get caught up in sounding smart or sharing everything you’ve learned, but that can push readers away. Drew unpacks how to strike the right balance—writing in a way that’s accessible, engaging, and reader-first. Hi! I’m Will and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart onto the page and into the world. At Writers Circle, there’s no cool kids—just fellow learners. We exist to make writing feel a little less lonely and a lot more doable. Welcome to our circle. Join Will's newsletter: writerscircle.co Substack: https://willparkeranderson.substack.com/ Instagram: @willparkeranderson

Dave Kopp, a behind-the-scenes legend in Christian publishing, shares invaluable insights for nonfiction writers. He introduces his framework, The 5 P’s, which clarifies concepts and connects with readers. Kopp reflects on his emotional journey in publishing, the transformative power of personal storytelling, and the often-unrecognized role of editors. He emphasizes the deep connection between writers and readers, advocating for a reader-centered approach and the therapeutic nature of writing through loss and inspiration.

Drew Dixon, executive editor at WaterBrook and Multnomah, shares his wealth of experience and insights on crafting compelling messages. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in both writing and parenting, exploring emotional dynamics and the need for clear communication. Drew also outlines six key elements that enhance communication, including urgency and credibility, while encouraging writers to embrace boldness in their creativity. Insights into the vital role of feedback and the strength found in vulnerability complete this engaging discussion.